Exposure Control Plan: Bloodborne Pathogens! Quiz

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, that can be present in blood and can cause diseases. If blood contacts your broken skin or the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth, there is a risk of these pathogens entering your body and causing infection. Therefore, it is true that at school, you can be exposed to bloodborne pathogens if blood contacts your broken skin or mucous membranes.

This statement is true because having gloves in an accessible location allows for a quick response to first aid needs, especially in situations where there may be possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens. By having gloves readily available, it ensures that the individual can protect themselves and others from potential infections or diseases that may be transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids.

Universal Precautions is a standard practice mandated by OSHA and the Diocese of Arlington. It involves treating all blood and bodily fluids as if they are infected with a bloodborne pathogen. This means that healthcare professionals and other individuals should take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infections, such as wearing gloves, using protective equipment, and following proper hygiene practices. Therefore, the given answer "True" is correct as it accurately reflects the definition and purpose of Universal Precautions.

Handwashing is considered the main protection against the spread of infection because it helps to remove and kill germs that can cause illnesses. By regularly washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, we can effectively eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses from our hands. This simple act can prevent the transmission of infections from person to person, especially in situations where germs are easily transferred, such as after using the restroom, before preparing food, or when caring for someone who is sick. Therefore, handwashing is crucial in maintaining personal hygiene and preventing the spread of infections.

Hepatitis B and C viruses cause liver disease. These viruses specifically target the liver, leading to inflammation and damage to the organ. Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C can result in serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer. Therefore, it is important to prevent and treat these viral infections to protect the liver and overall health.

The statement is true because the Hepatitis B vaccine has been extensively tested and proven to be safe and effective in preventing Hepatitis B infection. The vaccine is administered in a series of three shots, which is necessary to ensure maximum protection against the virus. Completing the full series is important to achieve long-lasting immunity and reduce the risk of contracting Hepatitis B.

Blood can be a source of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in the workplace due to the potential for exposure to contaminated blood through accidents, needlestick injuries, or contact with open wounds. These bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. Therefore, it is important for workplaces to have proper safety measures in place to prevent the transmission of these diseases, such as using personal protective equipment, following safe needle handling practices, and providing training on infection control.

It is important to always wash your hands or use an antiseptic gel after removing gloves because gloves can harbor bacteria and other pathogens. Even though gloves provide a barrier between your hands and potentially harmful substances, they can still become contaminated. Therefore, washing your hands or using an antiseptic gel helps to ensure that any pathogens on your hands or gloves are eliminated, reducing the risk of spreading infections or illnesses.

It is not safe to pick up broken glass with your hands as it can cause injuries. It is recommended to use protective gloves or a broom and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Therefore, the statement is false.

The correct answer is "all of the above" because copies of the Exposure Control Plan can be found in multiple locations, including the main office, the clinic, and the teachers lounge. This ensures that the plan is easily accessible to all relevant personnel in different areas of the organization. Having copies of the plan in various locations helps to promote awareness and adherence to the plan's guidelines for controlling exposure to hazards.

The CDC recommends that individuals who are regularly exposed to blood as part of their job should be immunized against Hepatitis B. This is because Hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. By getting immunized, these individuals can protect themselves from contracting the virus and prevent the spread of Hepatitis B in healthcare settings. Therefore, the statement is true.

The statement is true because Hepatitis B virus is highly infectious and can survive outside the body for a significant amount of time. Dried blood containing the virus can remain infectious for up to a week, making it important for maintenance staff to clean all spills that contain bodily fluids to prevent the spread of the virus.

In the given scenario, the correct answer is to put on gloves. This is because wearing gloves is important to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of any potential infections or diseases. By putting on gloves before attending to Timmy's nose bleed, you can ensure that you are protecting both yourself and Timmy from any potential harm.

The statement suggests that the first thing you should do when Allie vomits all over her desk is to start wiping it up with paper towels. However, this is not the correct approach. The first priority should be to ensure Allie's well-being and comfort. It is important to attend to her and make sure she is okay before addressing the mess. Once Allie is taken care of, then the clean-up process can begin.

The statement suggests that for minor cuts and scrapes, the child should wash the affected area, apply a bandaid, and dispose of any trash in a lined trashcan. This is a correct statement as it promotes proper hygiene and cleanliness to prevent infection and further complications. By washing the affected area, the child can remove any dirt or bacteria that may be present, and using a bandaid can protect the wound from further irritation or contamination. Disposing of the trash in a lined trashcan ensures that any potentially infectious materials are properly contained and disposed of.

The statement "Fortunately, there is a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C" is false. As of now, there is no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily spreads through contact with infected blood. While there are vaccines available for some types of hepatitis, such as Hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine specifically for Hepatitis C. The prevention of Hepatitis C mainly involves taking precautions to avoid exposure to infected blood, such as practicing safe injection practices and using barrier methods during sexual activity.

The CDC does not recommend the use of waterless alcohol antiseptic hand rubs if your hands are visibly soiled. This is because the hand rubs may not effectively remove dirt, grime, and other visible contaminants from the hands. In such cases, it is recommended to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene.

Exposure to blood or bodily fluids does not necessarily result in infection. Infection can occur if the blood or bodily fluids contain infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria, and if there is a route of transmission into the body (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes). However, many exposures do not lead to infection, as the risk depends on various factors such as the type and amount of infectious agents present, the duration and intensity of exposure, and the individual's immune system. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that most exposures to blood or bodily fluids result in infection.

The statement suggests that the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in school is high. However, the correct answer is false. This means that the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in school is not high. The explanation for this could be that schools generally have protocols and measures in place to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. These may include proper disposal of contaminated materials, training for staff on infection control, and access to personal protective equipment.